Common Reed Bunting - Emberiza schoeniclus

The Reed Bunting is a medium sized bird, 13.5-15.5 cm long, with a small but sturdy seed-eater's bill. The male has a black head and throat, white neck collar and underparts, and a heavily streaked brown back. The female is much duller, with a streaked brown head, and is more streaked below.

Habitat and Distribution

The Reed Bunting breeds across Europe and much of temperate and northern Asia. Most birds migrate south in winter, but those in the milder south and west of the range are resident. It is common in reedbeds and also breeds in drier open areas such as moorland and cultivation. It occurs on poorly drained neutral and acidic soils of the lowlands and upland fringe. It is found in the South West of England, especially in Devon.

Feeding

Its natural food consists of insects when feeding young, and otherwise seeds.

Breeding

The nest is in a bush or reed tussock. 4-7 eggs are laid, which show the hair-like markings characteristic of those of buntings.

Calls and Songs

The familiar, if somewhat monotonous, song of the cock is a repetitive zrip.